Pancakes or French Toast? How to Pick Healthier Menu Items

Read on to learn which meals you may want to opt for next time you're having a hard time choosing.

2/8

Muffins or Scones?

One blueberry muffin contains 162 calories and 6.2 grams of fat, while one plain scone contains 145 calories and 5.6 grams of fat. It's a pretty close competition between the two, but if you're trying to lower your calorie intake, scones may be the better option.

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3/8

French Toast or Pancakes?

The ultimate brunch off: French toast or pancakes. Two pancakes with butter will set you back a whopping 520 calories, and of those, 14 grams will be fat. Still, two slices of French toast with butter are 356 calories and filled with 18.8 grams of fat. When brunching, you may want to opt to share French toast or pancakes.

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4/8

Veggie Burger or Turkey Burger?

If you're taking a break from red meat, a veggie or turkey patty is a smart move. One turkey burger patty has 150 calories and 7 grams of fat. A veggie burger has 110 calories and 3 grams of fat, making it the lighter option.

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5/8

A Bagel or English Muffin?

A plain, whole wheat English muffin contains only 134 calories and 1.4 grams of fat, which seems pretty reasonable. However, a plain whole wheat bagel has 260 calories and 2 grams of fat—and that's without any cream cheese. So when in doubt, you'll probably want to pick the English muffin over the bagel.

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6/8

Steak or Lobster?

When out to dinner, choosing between lobster or steak as an entree can be difficult. One serving of a T-bone steak is about 168 calories with 7.6 grams of fat. However, one serving of a broiled lobster contains 100 calories and one gram of fat. If you're trying to eat decadently, but on the lighter side, go with the lobster.

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7/8

French Fries or Onion Rings?

The quintessential burger sides are about to face off. A small serving of French fries contains 197 calories and 8.6 grams of saturated fat, but one portion of onion rings (about 9 of them) is 276 calories and 15.5 grams of fat. Believe or not, French fries may be the way to go if you have to choose.

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8/8

Cookies or Brownies?

One 16-gram cookie contains 78 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. One chocolate brownie (about 60 grams) contains 243 calories and 10.1 grams of fat. When given the option, pick a small treat!

With some many options on menus these days, how do you choose? Brunch alone can have so many tasty choices to pick from. Pancakes or French toast? Muffin or scone? What about French fries versus onion rings? Based on calorie and fat content, we looked around to see which dishes were lighter so that the decision can be a little easier for you—particularly if you're trying to watch your waistline. Take a look at what we found before you pick up your morning breakfast or head to dinner at your favorite restaurant.